Twin Sails Bridge, Bascule bridge in Poole, United Kingdom.
Twin Sails Bridge is a bascule bridge in Poole featuring two triangular lifting leaves that span across the bay to connect the town center with Hamworthy. The structure is painted white and was designed to allow boats to pass through the central waterway.
Planning for this crossing began in the 1980s, and construction took place from 2010 until opening in April 2012. It was built to provide a second harbor crossing as traffic demands grew beyond what the existing infrastructure could handle.
The bridge serves as a modern symbol for Poole, linking the town center to areas beyond the water. At night, its white triangular forms glow in changing colors, making it a focal point along the waterfront.
If you plan to cross, keep in mind the bridge opens multiple times daily to let boats pass through. It is best to avoid peak hours and remember that the opening sequence takes about two minutes to complete.
The two lifting leaves resemble sailing boats passing each other when raised and together weigh over 130 tonnes. When they open, they create geometric shapes that turn the structure into an unexpected visual focal point along the harbor.
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